Update: Milliken Lake Area is closed as of Monday, 6/9/14. No fishing or picnicking allowed for the rest of the 2014 season. Milliken Lake had a total fish kill this winter and is being restocked and the picnic shelter is going have a new roof installed. At this time we are not sure when the area will reopen.

A
tranquil setting, flowing rivers and natural prairie land - the Des
Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area has it all! Visitors will delight in
the abundance of wildlife, restful picnic areas and variety of sportfishing
species. Farmland and woodland, prairie and swamp, still water and shoreline
offer unlimited opportunities for nature lovers and sportsmen.

History

Prior to 1948 what is now
called the Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area was owned by the federal
government. The Illinois Department of Conservation acquired the site
in 1948 and established its use as a recreation area. Additional land
was accessed following the completion of Interstate 55 in the 1960s.
From that time to 1975, the area was used primarily by hunters and unmanaged
day use. The Division of Land Management took over the area in 1976 and
extensive facility upgrades occurred. In recent
years, more than 350,000 people visit annually Des Plaines - an area
of more than 5,000 acres, including approximately 200 acres of water.

Picnicking

A restful break from hunting,
fishing or hiking can be a special event. Picnickers can choose to lunch
along the Kankakee River or under the large shelter on the banks of Milliken
Lake. Both sites provide tables, stoves and water along with cooling shade
trees and picturesque views. A playground area is present at
Milliken Lake.

Fishing

Open water and ice fishing are popular events and productive! Milliken Lake, as well as several ponds and the river backwaters, provide panfish, catfish, and bass fishing. Milliken Lake is stocked with catchable trout in the spring. The Kankakee River borders the site on the south with 3 miles of shoreline providing access to boating enthusiasts and excellent walleye and northern pike fishing.

Camping

Designated camping areas are available for those wishing to stay overnight at the site. These are Class C (vehicular access, no showers) areas with graveled pads, water and pit toilets. The campground is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, from mid-April (weather permitting) to mid-October, closed the rest of the year.

Boating

A public boat launch with three paved ramps is available on the Kankakee River for boating on the river or its backwaters. Motors are limited to 10 horsepower or less on the backwaters, but no limits exist on the Kankakee River. No boating is allowed on Milliken Lake. Boat ramps are closed seasonally from the end of October for pheasant hunting season thru mid April (weather depending).

Equestrian Trail

A 12 mile trail is open
from mid April thru October, weather permitting, from
6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Hunting

Pheasant
hunting is the most popular choice for sportsmen at Des Plaines, and
the
largest pheasant hunting (by permit only) facility in the state is located
at the site. For variety the site also offers
deer,
rabbit, dove and coyote hunting. All hunters are required to have permits and
check in at the site office. Waterfowl hunting is available at the
nearby
Will
County Waterfowl Management Area, with hunting blinds allocated
via drawings.

Nature
Preserve

Eighty
acres of the Des Plaines SFWA are dedicated as a
nature preserve which contains many remnants of theIllinois' natural prairie. The preserve is managed to protect and perpetuate this
prairie heritage for future generations. Visitors are encouraged to view
this area, but are reminded that all plants and animals here are protected
and are not to be disturbed in any way.

Hand
Trap Range

Two
hand trap ranges and an archery range are open to the public
daily except
during pheasant hunting season. Sportsmen are welcome to practice
and hone their skills so they will be ready to go on opening
day.

Shooting
Sports

In addition
to the two hand trap and archery ranges, Des Plaines
hosts three
wingshooting clinics and two Hunter Safety Classes annually.
Wwingshooting clinics are held on the first weekend
in
June; the Hunters Safety Classes are available in June and
August.

Dog
Training

The Des
Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area is well known for numerous field trials
and dog training events held throughout the year. The plentiful open areas,
swampy backwater areas and woodlands provide a perfect spot for all types
of training. Whether you are training your animal or just being a spectator,
these events can be a great way to spend a day or weekend outdoors.

Disabled Access

The following programs have disabled accessibility: hunting, fishing, camping, and picnicking.